Albert Pujols hit a two-run homer in the first inning and Ricky Nolasco pitched seven solid innings, helping the Los Angeles Angels hinder Houston’s wild-card hopes with a 2-0 defeat of the Astros on Thursday night.
The Angels kept Houston one game behind the Orioles and Tigers for the second AL wild card, with Detroit still playing later Thursday against the Twins.
Pujols homered into the Crawford Boxes in left field, helping Los Angeles move to 2-11 against the Astros this season.
Nolasco (7-14) gave up five hits — all singles — and struck out five.